Top Five Overrated Guitarists!

September 11, 2013

We talk guitars and guitarists all day long and sometimes that conversation veers into emotionally volatile territory—like it did today. Somehow the water cooler conversation at PGS got steered into talking about the most overrated guitarists … this nearly led to punches being thrown, but we stopped before Andy broke a finger throwing an uppercut into someone’s jaw and before I slapped three people for their nominating the first person on our list. Assumedly, lots of punches are going to get thrown in the comments—bring it on, people, bring it on. You couldn’t do worse than we all just did to one another. Here are the Top Five Overrated Guitarists As Discussed Around the PGS Water Cooler (in alphabetical order, as we didn’t dare go near ‘rating’ the overrated) :

THE EDGE

I hate writing this, because I’m actually a huge fan of the Edge but he did get mentioned REPEATEDLY by my fellow PGS-ers so I’m trying to take the high road and report this as it actually happened instead of protecting David Evans, one of my favorite guitar players. Besides, I think I get to return the favor later in this list. Complaints against the Edge:

“C’mon, he hides behind a gigantic wall of rack effects. Take away his effects and you take away the most interesting thing about his parts.”

“Dude can’t play more than two notes at a time!”

“BORING!”

“He’s basically Neil Young with a delay pedal. No, with ten delay pedals.”

MALMSTEEN

Neoclassical was kind of cool, primarily when it was coming out of Randy Rhoads’ hands, but Yngwie’s cluttered, speed-demon style gets pretty boring pretty quickly. Listening to 5 minutes of 128th notes is tedious and uninspiring, unless your primary motivation in life is the need for speed. Does he have technique for days? Sure, but ability doesn’t equal artistry. I can only handle about one minute of his “Look What I Can Do!” playing. Satriani and Vai were names tossed into the hat, but I would listen to either of those guys for days at a time before I'd make it through a Malmsteen song. Or album (shudder)...

MAYER

I worked in a record store when Room for Squares came out and I did NOT get the hype about Mayer as a pop-star. Later, I saw him playing “the blues” and found myself pretty impressed that he wasn’t just some manufactured celebrity—he actually could play guitar! Seems like lots of other people discovered that fact and seems like Mayer himself discovered that and reinvented himself as a modern day guitar hero complete with signature series instruments and sets sitting in with blues giants like Clapton and country giants like Brad Paisley. I bought into this for a little while, but I think I was just impressed that he wasn’t who he seemed to be on his first album. Since then, his SRV impression is wearing a little thin.

SANTANA

While we all agreed that there was a moment that Santana had sort of hit the sweet spot (and we all agreed that it was at least thirty years ago)—we couldn’t figure out how his legend has coasted this long on that moment. Props to the guy for having a big commercial comeback and all, but non-props to the guy for getting stuck in the pentatonic box all the time.

WHITE

Things got heated once the names Jack White and Dan Auerbach were mentioned—mainly because we couldn’t agree on who to pick for this list. We decided to stick with Jack White, since he was the earlier of the two to find fame and fortune aping other peoples’ styles. We like that White and Auerbach (and even Mayer, to be honest) have sparked fans’ interested in rediscovering blues music like Blind Willie McTell and Robert Johnson but think the credit for the awesome guitar skills belongs with the originators, not the resurrect-ors.

From my desk, I can see a coworker glaring at me for including one of the guitarists on this list. It might be a long day here at PGS—the lines in the sand have been drawn. We all agreed that the great thing about being “overrated” is that it can only happen when you’re actually very highly regarded in the first place—so in a way, calling these guys overrated is a weird sort of compliment. In any case, I’m going to suggest that tomorrow we talk about underrated guitarists, just to cleanse the pallet. Stay tuned for that one in a future edition of Andy’s Corner—thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for keeping it classy in the comments on this one, k, everybody?!! Ready? Set? SMACKTALK!

Comments

Jay says:

Good list, D-bag.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 5:57 am

Ricardo says:

Who are you, D-bag?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:27 am

doug says:

Edge——one of the most innovative guitarists and songwriters ever. Mayer is a real talent…..Continuum was one of the best “blues” album ever written. As annoying as Malmsteen is, he certainly is talented….in a certain way.

Would completely agree with White and Santana as being overrated. Probably throw Keith Richards in there for good measure.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:28 am

Michael S. says:

I would agree with Doug but, I’m quite certain we can come up with a whole lot….worse….

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:31 am

Danno says:

I see where you’re going with Jack White, but I’d still replace him on this list with Slash.
Jack while heavily pulling from the past has still made his sound his own and can make a single guitar produce a wall of sound. Slash is a good guitarist, but definitely over hyped.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:34 am

Kenny says:

PGS puts out such great content, but I was disappointed to see a negative list like this. Stick to what you guys do, which is being positive and encouraging everyone to be the best guitarist they can be. I’m more interested in buying from the PGS that puts out all the awesome product reviews and howto videos than I am in buying from the PGS that releases a “most overrated guitarists” list. Keep up the great work!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:34 am

mike says:

you forgot joe bonamassa

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:35 am

Chris says:

..and just like that…I will never shop with PGS again! Nice job Guys.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:36 am

eedude says:

yeah, White belongs on the list..He belongs on the list five times… it’s interesting that two of the guitarist on this list were featured in the documentary: “It Might get loud” , or as i refer to it:“it might get stupid”

Sorry, Yngiew does not belong on a list of Top Five Overrated Guitarist. If it were like Top One Hundred Overrated.. okay maybe I could see him in there… zakk wylde is like a hundred times more overrated than Yngwie and plays like a hundred time worse than Yngwie..so you do the math on that one.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:37 am

BC says:

WIsh Slash had made the list.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:38 am

Dave says:

I agree with these inclusions, but Santana I believe has the largest body of credible work? If you called Edge a “guitar pedal player” instead, there would be no reason to put him down. I don’t know why so many 1000s who can blow Mayer into the weeds on guitar look up to him.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:38 am

Zach S says:

This kind of article isn’t exactly why I subscribed to PGS… Isn’t it a bit condescending to talk down to several famous, talented guitarists on a site that heavily caters to people who are growing their own talent and popularity?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:38 am

Arturo says:

I only agree with White… but I think this is not the kind of post we (PGS fans) like to read from you guys =\
Cheers and rock n roll!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:39 am

Rodrigo says:

How about Josh Homme?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:39 am

Cody says:

what?? BOOOO!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:40 am

Jun says:

I’d give Edge an A for innovation. It takes talent to handle that many effects without sounding like mush.. Overrated? Somewhat, but not really.

Mayer is actually doing very well. As mentioned, everyone respects his talent by now and his newer stuff is quite rootsy and bluesy. I was begging for more stuff to come out of his trio which never happened, but I dig his new stuff.

I’d throw couple names out here for overrated, but I’m pretty sure I might cause an all out war. I guess I’m not as ballsy as the editor :P

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:40 am

TJ says:

You guys at PGS are just trying to start shit.
How about something worthwhile to discuss ?!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:41 am

tln3fish@hotmail.com says:

not much on who is the best and who is the worst…. the guitar players on your list have all made a pretty good living playing guitar ... maybe not as technical as some ...but still ... they have fans ....and I would give anything to be on your worst guitar list making good money playing guitar for a living…. would like to have the fame and money Neil Young has…..know what I’m saying

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:42 am

james says:

jack white should stay on this list just for being in the It Might Get Loud. He sucks.
Edge however at least created a sound- give him that.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:42 am

herman says:

this list sucks so bad i will put you on junk mail from now on

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:42 am

Paul H says:

The Edge is amazing, yes there’s a ton of effects but just to write him off as someone who hides behind effects is stupid, he is the guitar innovator of his generation, break down some of the songs and listen to the intricate guitar parts, he spends days/weeks/months stirring the tone pot till he gets what he wants, no he is not a technician like Steve Vai running endlessly all over the fret board but that stuff leaves most people cold.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:43 am

Jimmy says:

I had the boredom with Malmsteen until I saw the Japan Philharmonic footage. Was the same with Mayer until I saw Where the light is.

White and Edge can stay there. I’d throw in Matt Bellamy if it was me. Hiding behind a wall of fuzz.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:44 am

909one says:

As far as overrated goes. I think Mayer takes the cake. So that’s right on the money. And I think I’d put jack White in there too I guess. Though, I don’t know of many people that really talk up the Edge all that much. Malmstein should be on there I guess, not so much as overrated, but just because he’s a joke.
Honestly If you want to talk about seriously overrated, Joe Bozomassa and even Clapton should be on there. He’s been playing the same licks since 1970.
And Santana, meh. He stopped being relevant the moment he stepped off the stage at Woodstock.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:44 am

James says:

These negative lists do not speak well of their authors. Music is not a contest.

Guitar based music is facing a long sunset anyway. Let’s stick together and enjoy it while it lasts.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:45 am

c.wright says:

Slash def should have made the list - but more importantly TOMMY BOLIN.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:45 am

twister says:

Plz add George Lynch. Good, but overrated. Man, his tone sucked on all those Dokken albums. Can’t tell what the hell he is playing sometimes…

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:45 am

medicinecrow65 says:

I agree, it breaks my heart to do so in some cases (Santana for one) but I do agree with the list.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:46 am

suck it says:

suck it ass fag butt-pirates, mayer and santana rule

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:46 am

Myron says:

I agree with most of the picks but not quite with The Edge. I don’t think Neal Young with 5 delay pedals is a bad thing; as long as you play the right notes, you shouldn’t have to play too many of them. Besides, I play straight into the amp, and my hat is off to anybody who can manage all that other stuff.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:47 am

Kayla @ nasquotes.com says:

Very cold and sad post. I really don’t like the approach you have taken with this NEGATIVE list.

It’s a sad day for PGS fans if this is the new standard for your future content.

If we wanted to read this crap then we could have easily just stuck to the boring negative guitar forums out there.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:47 am

mike says:

jimmy page

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:48 am

brenden says:

How on earth did Joe Bonamassa avoid being on this list? So overrated.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:48 am

Josef says:

I’d like to add my name. Even though I don’t make near the money nor have the tiniest fraction of their fame or fortune. I over rate my own playing all the time. Looking forward to your next list - “Under-rated” guitar players. I have a hundred names if you need ‘em…

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:49 am

Doug says:

Woa…talk about walking thru a mine field! Don’t know that I would try to approach that subject as the music is art and the beauty is in the ears of the listener! I’ll give you guys at PGS this though, ya got brass! Guess we need to look at what, exactly, each has or hasn’t contributed to determine who is over-rated.

Always appreciate what PGS does and look forward to each new newsletter…..keep it up!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:49 am

Danny says:

I don’t like all the guitar players you mentioned, but I wouldn’t call them overrated… I mean, each of them have their own sound and style and make songs and records that people love. To call them overrated is purely ignorant. Music is subjective and there is no such thing as best and worst.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:49 am

Willie says:

This article isn’t very nice. If I were one of these guys and I saw this article, it would hurt my feelings.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:49 am

DannyTangle says:

I don’t think John Mayer gets enough credit for being a student of the blues and one of the few contemporary popular artists that actually can play more than chugga chugga riffs. It’s good to have someone in popular music that understands and respects the blues and blues heroes. While he may be a bit overrated as a technician, let’s not kill the guy for being a pretty competent player in a landscape of mediocrity.

You should have added David Shankle,Micheal Angelo Batio, and the Dragonforce guys.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:52 am

Brad says:

All 5 are better than me and making good and popular music. So I don’t see the reason in putting any of them down. I wish I was as overrated as any of them. Disappointing topic for a list.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:53 am

Domenico says:

I never get why people uses arguments like: “it’s not the original, but is good, but since is not the original is overrated” deciding who is good or bad guitarrist it’s very hard, but yes, I have to say (in my 30sec as God) Santana is overrated

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:53 am

Matt says:

This is a terrible list and not because of the names that you put on it. You guys are constantly talking about being your own guitarist. Well these guys did that and now your bashing them. If internet controversy is what you seek, great. Point accomplished. Bring something worthwhile to talk about next time. And as an aside, I’ve seen a lot of Andy’s video’s and met a lot of the players in the showroom, and I’d put the five, “no talent ass-clowns,” that you just listed in a shooting match between any one of you.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:53 am

Octavio says:

the Edge should have taken all five spots. Although, I agree Santana has not done shit in 30 years, no one can play like him. He plays more than just the musical notes, pitches, and ranges a guitar can hit - he plays with your soul (and YouTube does not do him justice). As far as, Jack White vs Dan Auerbach? Dan takes the cake as overrated guitar player at the No.5 spot. Jack White is good ‘on the spot’ while Dan Auerbach is a one trick pony. Jack White may not hit all the right notes, but that happens because he is pushing the boundaries. While Dan Auerbach has an arsenal of tricks…and that’s about it. BUt who am I? I am just a student that loves to analyze music. ‘Talk amongst yourselves’ - Mike Myers “Coffee Talk”, lmfao.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:53 am

jontv says:

The list seems mostly reasonable, although—obviously—personal taste a big part of this kind of judgment.

For people who are offended, I would point out that somebody can be a fantastic guitar player and still be “overrated”. The way that people get hyped by the music industry, nearly every famous guitar player is probably “overrated” in some way at some time.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:54 am

Ray Souza says:

With the exception of Santana I couldn’t agree with you more, and Jack White should be at the top of the list.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:54 am

David Abbott says:

What no Bonamassa?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:54 am

Gerry Blue says:

Totally agree with this list except for Mayer, the guy can play, he has chosen the pop side of things, but hey, ti gets him laid

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:55 am

DisappointedGuitarist13 says:

As a huge fan and long time follower of PGS, I have to say that I’m very disappointed with this article. What is the purpose of this, other than angering your fans?

When has creating music become a competition?

So the Edge uses a lot of effects - should he not be famous? I’m a big Jack White fan, but I don’t listen to his music solely for the guitar work - there is a lot more to it than that. Malmsteen is technically a great player, but his work is “uninspiring”?

Come on PGS. You should know better than this.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

Jack says:

re: edge…yeah? YOU go and invent a new way to play guitar that will forever be identified with your name, pedals or not.

re: santana…really? YOU develop a unique sound, feel, and style that is iconic and instantly recognizable.

re: jack white…derivative but part of the substantially talented and creatively interesting package. never really a guitar hero anyway.

re: mayer…a fine pop star who can play well, albeit derivative.

re: yngvie…couldn’t agree more.

and please don’t start the vapid keith richards argument. he is as important a guitarist as chuck berry, jimmy page, and peter townsend, if not more so.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

Bill says:

Interesting stuff.

There are guitarists out there that while technically proficient and who can play with an awesome feel will never get beyond their bedrooms or jam sessions.

The 5 mentioned here have achieved what we would all probably love to do…..play what we want to and make truck loads of money while doing it….even if it is with only two notes!

I love the Edge. How signature is his sound? How quickly can one recognise a U2 song within the first few bars on the guitar? That is talent….appealing to the masses!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

Steve says:

Stop with the negative vibes, Moriarity! That’s like some kind of stupid high school list! Grow up, be positive, and get back to contributing meaningfully to guitar playing.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:56 am

Anne Onimos says:

Clapton. Utterly boring and boxy, pedestrian. His picture is actually used in some dictionaries for the word “overrated”.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Sven says:

This ones again shines a light on the difference between the best technicians and the best song writers. John Mayer even lectured on this at berkley once. The idea is to let go of being “the best” at an instrument and instead write “the best” songs. For example, “Your Touch” by the black keys is one of the most simple songs I’ve ever heard, but man do I ever love listening to it and on occasion jamming it.

I’m on the train with everyone else saying “please don’t start the hate train”. But since it’s already started, Everyone on this list is a great song writer whether or not they deserve their fame as guitar players.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Jeffrey Osgood says:

I’d have to agree with the Edge , and Malmsteen . But I’m going to have to lump in Zack Wylde , Slash , and this’ll probably piss off the metalheads but I don’t care , I’m tired of hearing about the guy , Dimebag Darrell .

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Wat says:

Great store, great pedal reviews, shit articles. Is there a way I can get the newsletter with the “thoughtless article of the week” omitted?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Awesome John says:

Sanata is a great “feel Guitarist” with instantly recognisable tone and touch….

Mayer is a pretty boy pop start trying to get and already bored with himself but there are time when he can play.. is he overrated yes but not in the top 5,

All guys who suck at their own hand technique hate Malmsteen, to his credit Malmsteen has outlived 3 generations of snickering music critics and is still going strong…

In general this article was showing promise as interesting till I started reading it and saw the author struggling to be clever.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:57 am

Jp says:

Jack white is completely overrated and john Mayer did sell out in his first album. In the end, the other guitarist are good at what they do and may over do it with there style of playing, that’s why they are on this list. Hey PGS you forgot Kurt cobain. Oooohhhhhh, I did.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Matt H says:

I like this list, its fun…. and I agree that its OK to love these guys work yet still include them on here. Heres my list:

OK so some of these are not even rated as guitarists, but thats for a good reason.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Sam says:

This list is crap. John Mayer and his so called “SRV” Impression? Do you even listen to SRV? I’ll agree that Mayer’s latest Album is crap and a lot of his pre TRIO stuff is quite douchie but as a guitar player he’s very versatile and has proven it on several occasions.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Alan says:

I hate this kind of post because all of the guys we are talking about are really good. Yea the Edge has all is efx and sounds and he isn’t a soling monster, I understand but he has done a lot with rhythm guitar and songwriting and I would argue that that alone makes him in a different class of Rating as a guitar player. John Mayer good songwriter and has is own vibe that puts him in the writing guitar player class. MALMSTEEN? Really… yea there was a time when he was considered a guitar god amongst young shredders I don’t see how he is on this list either. Come on Santana friggen legend. I understand the pentatonic relation but It isn’t always about how many notes, Europa, Black Magic Women just to name a few great solos Class and taste. Jack White I understand why he is on the list because he kinda sounds like crap but maybe a good producer and visionary. Definitely an outcast type of guy. But he connected with a lot of people so there something there, Actually I kinda felt he listened to a lot of Led Zeppelin.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Toby says:

This column is quickly degrading from being something useful for the modern day gigging guitarist, to slack jawed, pudding faced, currant eyed, pathetic attempts at banterous humour. STOP! The list of “worst effects” was bad enough, but this? Whilst I don’t particularly enjoy Mayer or Malmsteen, I already know this. PGS doesn’t need to tell me, or any other guitar player what to think about some prominent guitarists. Because in the end, no one has the right to criticise.

Get back to the good stuff, pedal reviews, gig tips, maybe do some “sound like xxxx”. Any of these would be more useful. Whilst an insight into the goings on at the PGS office is cool, I’m just disappointed it was related to such an un-important, poorly written, poorly thought out article.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Carlos says:

LOL at these fanboys. Don’t cry… This is a good list. Clapton could lead it though.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

Alex says:

This was a tough read! I could see your argument on the Edge but the very next guitar player contradicts your reasoning as to why the Edge is over-rated citing “artistry” as the problem with Malmsteen. The Edge takes what ability he has and changed the way we approach the guitar. The Edge has made a lasting contribution to guitar in great playable accessible songs and if that’s not artistry I don’t know what is. As for John Mayer, he is an outstanding guitar player and shouldn’t be measured by the blues simply because he likes to play it, his first album has heavy jazz and fusion influences but we don’t measure him by that standard because it’s how he pulls it altogether into what he calls, “Pop”

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:59 am

Rich says:

Of course this list begs the question: overrated compared to who? Is it that these guitarists are held in high regard by the masses? Because if it’s a list about guitarists rating guitarists….........yeesh. That’s like models rating supermodels. Catfights shall ensue….........sounds like a band name! :)

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:59 am

Don Myers says:

Oh, come ON! ‘I’ll never shop here again’? Drama queen much?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:59 am

Felipe says:

Are you guys from the future?
The date of this article says i’ts from September 11th, but it’s still September 10th as i’m reading it.
I’m confused!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 7:59 am

Sean fitz says:

Wish slash was up there and white is supposed to be there instead of 17th of Rolling Stones best guitarists ever!!! Instead of eddie van halen at 70th

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

Hakeem says:

You forgot BB King. Why’s he gotta play all bendy-like all the time? Why doesn’t he play really fast scales or something? Hi splaying doesn’t even sound like a guitar; sounds like someone talking or something…

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

gypsy says:

never thought i’d see this much honesty on the net!

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

B Herndon says:

I just wasted 5 minutes of my life

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

Dave says:

I like the list, the only one on the list I listen to is Mayer, but not much and he can play clean. I saw him play his stuff solo on a strat and a fender junior amp and it was good.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:00 am

tom says:

Very disappointed PGS… I won’t comment on the list at all. I don’t know if this is based on technique, artistry, innovation or whatever. It comes off like link bait on what could be a polarizing topic and really negative for a PGS post. I would prefer lists of “artists you should know”.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:01 am

David says:

Slow day at PGS? The people you mention may be “overrated”, but all I know is they make an honest living doing what they love. You guys work in a frickin music store. How many people pay to listen to you and how many records have you sold? If given the choice, I’ll be one of these overrated blokes versus one of you balding, frustrated guys selling effects pedals over the Internet

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:01 am

Bryce says:

Who cares? Opinions are like assholes. All of these guys have infinitely more successful careers as guitar players than anyone commenting on this post or working at PGS.

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:01 am

Leonardo says:

Well done with the list but, I would chose Slash rather Jack White. Because of him is that I hate the over-gained sound of Marshall Amps…

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:01 am

vinbo says:

Ha, ha, haaa! Some real wits here. You guys like to step in shit?

posted on September 11, 2013 at 8:01 am

jeff crawford says:

i think that James hit the nail on the head. this is not a contest, nor should we judge other people for their skill and ability. music in all forms is beautiful and an art form, especially guitar music. it seems that this list was thrown out just to stir-up trouble. the five on the list have become very successful for several good reasons, none of which most of will ever be able attain. i say, if you don’t like their music, turn the dial.